Chapter 4

Ethan didn't come home that night.

My head was bandaged clumsily, and every step I took sent waves of dizziness crashing through me.

I pulled out my single carry-on suitcase.

Three years in that apartment, and everything that truly belonged to me couldn't even fill a small bag.

Halfway through packing, the bedroom door was shoved open.

My mother stood in the doorway. Seeing the suitcase, she paused, then sneered.

"What do you think you're doing? Running away from home? Let me tell you, Chloe, don't you dare try pulling this cheap manipulative stunt on us!"

"Save your little mind games for someone else!"

I ignored her, folding my sweaters in silence.

Enraged by my lack of reaction, she lunged forward, trying to yank the suitcase off the bed.

"If you leave, who's going to cook? Who's going to clean up after this house?"

I finally paused, looking up into her furious eyes.

"Don't worry, Mom. Once I'm gone, Kylie can take much better care of you all."

Choked by my answer, her face turned purple. "Is that how you speak to your mother?! You ungrateful little bitch!"

Her hand swung through the air, slapping me hard across the face.

The force snapped my head sideways. The metallic taste of copper flooded my mouth.

Before another word could be said, the front door opened, and Ethan walked in.

He looked haggard and exhausted. Seeing me and the open luggage, his eyebrows drew together.

"What drama are you stirring up now?"

My mother immediately spun on him. "Look at her! Threatening to pack her bags! Talking back to me like dirt!"

Ethan's cold eyes fixed on me.

"Chloe, unpack the bag. I'll let yesterday go. Don't push your luck."

Looking at his arrogant expression, I let out a soft laugh.

Just then, Kylie, who had been lingering outside the door, rushed inside in tears, throwing her arms around Ethan's sleeve.

"Ethan, please don't fight with Chloe because of me! It's all my fault! I'll move out right now, I won't stay here anymore!"

From behind his shoulder, her eyes caught mine. Beneath the tears was an unmistakable glint of triumph.

Ethan wrapped an arm around her, speaking in a tender whisper. "It has nothing to do with you. Don't cry."

When he turned back to me, his gaze was completely devoid of warmth.

"Chloe, this is my final warning. Apologize to Kylie. Or deal with the consequences."

Zipping my suitcase shut, I gripped the handle, stepped around them, and walked toward the foyer.

Ethan's voice rose sharply behind me.

"Chloe! If you walk out that door today, we are done!"

My footsteps didn't falter for a single second. I walked straight out into the hallway and pressed the elevator button.

My phone chimed with a text from Ethan:

Your mother just fainted from high blood pressure because of you. If you have an ounce of conscience left, get your ass back here right now!

Seconds later, another message flashed:

Chloe, you'll regret this.

I hailed a cab straight to JFK.

Sitting in the back seat, I powered down my phone.

This time, I was going far away.

This time, I was finally choosing myself.